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RE: BGW Security Checkpoint

First off, I totally agree that a lot of people wear incredibly inappropriate clothes in public every day. I just have to shake my head and wonder if they own a mirror. That said, I'm not surprised the park shies away from enforcing much of a dress code.

After 9/11, my organization went on a hiring spree and soon our building was overrun with kids fresh out of college. They tended to look to each other for fashion guidance, and it began to look less like an office and more like a keg party. There was one sweet young thing, whom my friend and I called "hotpants," whose thong and navel were regularly on display. Keep in mind, I work in DC. When I asked my boss why he didn't do anything about it and he told me he was afraid of getting sued. In fact our General Counsel to this day absolutely refuses to allow us to have any kind of official dress code.

From this perspective, if I were a security officer checking bags, I would be very reticent to tell people that their clothes are inappropriate.
 
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RE: BGW Security Checkpoint

I just wanted to let people know I updated the OP. The OP now includes:

~ New formatting for easier finding for rules and how things are dealt with
~ Howl-o-Scream specific rules
 
RE: BGW Security Checkpoint

So, I thought some of y'all might find this interesting. We were waiting in the incredibly slow bag check at Adventure Island and started chatting with the woman in front of us. She is a regular there and says they are really strict. They even confiscated a lighter from her once and told her to use matches for her cigarettes.

Maybe they are more thorough because coolers are allowed in the park? Or maybe it is just different local management. Regardless, there clearly isn't a company-wide standard.
 
RE: BGW Security Checkpoint

Nic, each park has their own Security department that operates to different procedures. There are still company wide policies that should be followed but local management is allowed to use discretion to a point.

From what sources say, EVERY SWPE park does not tolerate any food or drinks unless it is baby food or water. BGW tries to be a bit more easy going and allow some snacks because it looks better to guests, while still keeping things under control.

Another thing is NO other park in the chain does the "sweep". When BGW closes, security officers start from the Festhaus and work their way to the front of the park. They can not tell guests to leave, as an area is clear of guests they move forward and don't allow anyone beyond that point. This gives guests some freedom to be able to stroll out of the park on their time rather than be pushed out. At every other park, security officers tell guests that they are closed and have to leave, no ifs ands or buts.

The water parks are probably the absolute most strict about what goes in because of the lack of clothing and pool water contamination and pool filters clogging. So they have to be more strict naturally. But BGW is the only park to be so easy going about what is allowed and what is prohibited.

Most of the time, it is up to team member discretion. If they feel you have too much food you have too much food, if they think you don't have too much, you don't have too much.
 
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RE: BGW Security Checkpoint

Party Rocker said:
From what sources say, EVERY SWPE park does not tolerate any food or drinks unless it is baby food or water.
Click to expand...

Your sources are incorrect. I walk in the park in Tampa every time with granola bars and fruit snacks in my pack (which is checked, and is most certainly seen). In fact, the signage over the bag check area specifically allows it.

 

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RE: BGW Security Checkpoint

I love that sign! So in your face straightforward and clear! I wish BGW had a sign that was like that, but for it to include all prohibited items and exceptions.

With that said, is this something new? They may allow your little granola bar and fruit snacks but it is worse at BGW. You could walk up in there with like a whole loaf of bread, deli meats, 12 pack of soda, five big bags of candy, a bag of grapes and a thing of bananas. An no one would care.

Now if you try to bring in Fast Food and a lot at that amount, they will be more strict about that.
 
RE: BGW Security Checkpoint

I don't know how strict the enforcement is, my goal is usually to get through the bag check and move on. I also tend to get to the park after the big morning rush, so I often don't hit any lines on the way in.

The signs are a few months old now, one more example of the new logo slowly replacing the old one. However before those signs were up specifically defining what is allowed, I've carried bottled water and other single serve snacks in before without issue.
 
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RE: BGW Security Checkpoint

Hey Bill, just for my own curiosity and I guess for a reference for other forum members and guests, do you mind elaborating on how their bag check is set up and the posted rules on signs, if there are any?

I just think it'd be interesting to compare the two parks procedures side by side.
 
RE: BGW Security

The bag check at BGT didn't seem any different than BGW, at least to me last week (or any of the times I've visited). Adventure Island, however, was totally different, much more thorough.

I went though the BGT bag check line twice last Monday, and they didn't even poke their stick in both zipper pouches of my purse the first time through. They did a better job, in the afternoon, when there were no lines.

Neither park ever objects to anything my my bag, but I don't try to bring in anything except my wallet, band-aids, Tylenol, a brush, etc. I am a good little park guest.
 
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RE: BGW Security

Nic summed it up pretty well. Just before the turnstile are tables set up, and guests can queue on either side with the front gate employees at the head of the table taking turns left and right for each guest.

Procedure varies between employees. I've seen some where they demand every zipper/pocket open, root around, pull things out, etc. Others merely glance and feel the bottom of the bag.

I think by going so often I'm being recognized by some of the regular employees there, as most times my bag gets barely a glance. Either that or I just don't look that threatening.

Not having been to BGW, I can't make comparisons.
 
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RE: BGW Security

Bill said:
I think by going so often I'm being recognized by some of the regular employees there, as most times my bag gets barely a glance. Either that or I just don't look that threatening.

Not having been to BGW, I can't make comparisons.
Click to expand...

^
This.

I have gone so regularly this season that my daughter and I are being recognized by many people. Train operators, Pub workers, Talking Tree stand folks, etc., even security has said "Back again huh?" They still "check" our bag, but it is clear they are just going through the motions.
 
RE: BGW Security

chickenking said:
^
This.

I have gone so regularly this season that my daughter and I are being recognized by many people. Train operators, Pub workers, Talking Tree stand folks, etc., even security has said "Back again huh?" They still "check" our bag, but it is clear they are just going through the motions.
Click to expand...

My partner doesn't go quite as often, but carries a rather impressive camera bag/backpack when he does. There is one older gentleman who regularly works the tables and will say as we approach "let me see that camera" to which the bag is flipped open and we get waved by.

It's amusing, as generally no employee will actually touch or poke around his bag because of the camera and multiple lenses. I think everyone is afraid of scratching or breaking something. (I know I would be!)
 
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RE: BGW Security

Bill said:
It's amusing, as generally no employee will actually touch or poke around his bag because of the camera and multiple lenses. I think everyone is afraid of scratching or breaking something. (I know I would be!)
Click to expand...

This is right here is the main concern. They have every right to search your stuff, but if they damage it they have to pay for it.
 
RE: BGW Security

Just thought it was worth noting that when I was at Cedar Point last week, there was no bag check at all. So, unless we all believe that the people in Ohio are just better citizens than we in Virginia, I would say that BGW is doing more than they are, at least. I'm not saying that the bag checks are perfect (or even adequate), but at least they are trying. I was honestly a bit freaked out, when I realized that I had made it into the park and no one had looked to see what I might be carrying in my purse.

(How have I turned into such a park defender? Ack.)
 
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RE: BGW Security

Well, we could have metal detectors... it could be worse.*cough* Kings Dominion

Nic said:
(How have I turned into such a park defender? Ack.)
Click to expand...

Embrace it, Nic. You've been claimed by our evil clutches of theme park obsessing! Welcome to the Dark Side. Now go change your signature. :p
 
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